Perusing through some of the top national parks across the continent of Africa, a thought of Arusha national park comes up; though overlooked by several visitors to the continent. We have no option but to tell you more about it, the location, and the best time for a visit, the attractions, and several other things.
This park rescues people from the noise, boredom and busy lives with nothing to talk about. It is an answer to “I need to see Africa’s Big 5 in their natural setting”, “I desire a simple Hike” “Oh, I love that Bird” or “How can I escape Arusha city”, Yes, just after a few kilometers; A jewel in the shadow of Giants gets to be yours.
Arusha National park is one of Tanzania’s (East Africa’s largest country; with notable neighbors being Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya among others) most diverse ecosystems. It is one of the wildlife parks in Tanzania’s northern safari circuit; the best region in the continent of Africa, with the others being Serengeti national park; host of the dramatic annual wildebeest migration, Ngorongoro Crater; home to the world’s largest land caldera and Lake Manyara national park; home to a large concentration of giant elephant, Tarangire national park and many more.
In the northern region, find the park at the eastern edge of the magnificent giant Great Rift Valley, believed to have been in existence for over 20 million years, withstanding the disturbances, and the earth movements, causing an opening northeast of Arusha town. The action led to the creation of tiny volcanoes namely; Ngurdoto crater (known as a smaller Ngorongoro), and Mount Meru. It is a portion of the earth’s layer which runs for about 6500km from the Jordan valley.
The park is small, at about 552sqkm north-east of Arusha town, though the size is easily forgotten as you plant your eyes on the different residents. It is 60km from Kilimanjaro international airport. Mountains, Valleys, lakes, and forest cover take a good portion of its space, and so are the birds, reptiles, mammals, and many more that freely roam at its different corners, looking out for water, foliage, or predators.
A drive from Arusha national park is roughly 40 mins to one hour; meaning it is very possible to have your safari and make a return journey the same day, without missing out on any appointment.
History of the park.
As Witten in the Guide book “the European History of the park” The genesis of Arusha national park dates back to 1876 when a Hungarian by the name of Count Teleki arrived at the Momela area. He admired the vast unspoiled chucks of Land, black Rhinos, and the hippopotamus, though presently absent at the park. In 1907, Mr. Trappe and his family shifted to the Momela area to do farming, thus turning a good portion of the park into a cattle ranch.
Additionally, Mrs. Trappe, who was of Age by then and the first women to engage in professional hunting, designated a good portion of Momela estate as a game reserve.
Forward to 1960 the area was named Ngurdoto crater national park, with the area covering the farmlands, reserve, and the giant Mount Meru. Thereafter, the name was changed to Arusha national park, picking it from the Waarusha people who had previously settled there.
ATTRACTIONS AT THE PARK.
Mount Meru.
This is the fifth tallest mountain on the continent of Africa, standing at 4,4566m above sea level, though described by several hikers as a warm mountain for the snowcapped mountain Kilimanjaro (the world’s tallest standalone mountain). The mountain is visible throughout the year, though while at Uhuru Peak of Kilimanjaro Mountain.
The Maasai people call it Ol Doinyo Orok. A local native word meaning; “a black mountain”; and the summits plus the eastern slopes are within the park. Hiking to the Mountain summits gives you an opportunity of capturing the fascinating aerial view of the park, Arusha city, the backdrop of the snowcapped Kilimanjaro, and the park surrounding communities. Records show that it was around the year 1877 when this mountain last erupted, and occasionally minor incidences being reported.
Hundreds of visitors do hike this mountain, with a number of the days of ascending and descending determined by the groups hiking speed and physical fitness. However, most of the group use two to four days. Hiking is not so hectic, though requires a little fitness and starts right at the Momela gate, with a briefing, acquisition of the hiking pieces of equipment, and registration.
Animals/Mammals.
Giraffes are the dominant mammals in this park, though primates, prey, and predators are also present, namely; the reserved leopards, lions though hard to find, the wildebeests, warthogs, several antelope species, African cape Buffaloes, and many more, the cheerful blue monkeys, black and white Columbus monkeys.
It will also interest you sighting and identifying the unique characteristics of several birds present at the park. Encountering games and birds are done through birding, guided nature walks, game drives, and many more.
Ngurdoto crater.
This is also one of the most magnificent attractions around the park, found in the heart of the forest, and surrounded by several unique plant species. Ngurdoto Crater is extinct with over 6 viewpoints notably; the crater floor at 1474m marked by forest cover and swamps, Leitting at 1853m at the southern side and the highest of them all and many more.
Though visitors are not permitted at the crater flow, the ascending and descending path of the mammals can be seen from a distance.
Interestingly, exploring Ngurdoto crater exposes visitors to a variety of flora and fauna, birds and primates among others. During games around this area, visitors have a chance of spotting elephants, buffaloes, the Columbus monkeys, and many.
Momella lakes.
This is one of the most interesting attractions in the park, located in the north-eastern direction, surrounded by green vegetation. It is ideal for refreshment, canoeing, sport fishing, and bird watching at its shorelines.
Thousands of lesser flamingoes fly above the waters, as the visitor’s view. The lakes are salty, fed by underground streams, but not so deep, and were formed by depression. Other bird species present around this lake include the rare Ibis, white-breasted cormorant, southern pochard, and maccoas ducks, a well-decorated grey kingfisher, and guinea fowl, among the over 550 rare bird species at the park.
Among the activities to be done in the park include; Bird watching, camping, guided nature walk, Mountain Meru hike, photography, honeymoon and canoeing among others.
Park Entrance Fees.
Park entrance fees are charged on arrival at any of the park’s gates and the money is channeled to boosting conservation efforts, paying of park rangers, and contributing to the welfare of the communities surrounding the park.
Persons aged 16 and above; East African citizens pay 10000 Tz.shs, Non-East African citizens pay 45Usd and the expatriates living in Tanzania pay 22.5 USD.
Persons aged 5-15; East African citizen pays 2,000 Tshs, Non-east African citizen 15 USD and then expatriates living in Tanzania pay 7.5 USD. Children aged 5 years and below don’t pay any money no matter where they are from.
The prices differ depending on one’s status in terms of age and nationality, and are labeled on individual tourists, vehicles, and planes, either annually or per 24 hours. Charges are both on Tanzanian shillings and dollars, payable through Visa, bank, or cash on arrival.
Packing List.
Probably this must not be exclusively complete, however, this is how your parking list should look like; good hiking boots, yellow fever vaccine, insect repellants, sleeping bag in case you will hike, long-sleeved shirts, trousers, hat, and other descent clothing’s among others.
Best Time to go for Arusha safari.
Safaris to Arusha national park are done all year round. However if you need to find the time when there is no mush rain, and the ground is comfortable, then from June to October, and then December through to February can be ideal. Entering the park is from 7:00am in the morning and ends at 19:00 hours.
Accommodation options at Arusha National Park.
There are comfortable accommodation facilities in and outside the park, offering some of the yummiest meals, lovely beddings, and a serene environment. They range from budget to luxury campsites, rest houses, lodges, and mountain accommodations for hikers among others. Failure to find accommodation facilities in the park shouldn’t leave you stranded because there are several other exotic ones in Arusha town.
Other destinations in Tanzania include; Tarangire national park, Mountain Kilimanjaro national park; home to the tallest mountain on earth, Serengeti national park; home to one of the world’s natural wonders; the annual wildebeest migration, Mahale national park for chimpanzees and then Ngorongoro crater for the world’s largest land caldera.
Though unknown and one of the smallest parks in Tanzania, Arusha national park remains one of the most rewarding destinations in the region, with a wide range of biodiversity, flora and fauna. It is also very safe for all activities one might wish to engage in.